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THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CARDIAC CONCERNS RELATED TO COVID-19 ON MOOD DISORDERS IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical manifestations related to a COVID-19 diagnosis have been studied, but gaps exist in understanding COVID-19 and mental health. This study evaluates the presence of short-term and persistent cardiac symptoms among collegiate athletes diagnosed with COVID-19 and determines if cardiac-related symptomology was associated with anxiety or depression. METHODS: Data was collected during pre-participation screening with NCAA Division II collegiate athletes (n=1730) from 2021-2023. COVID-19 history and symptoms experienced were self-reported via REDCap. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively. Differences between groups were assessed with Chi-Square and correlations with Pearsons Correlation Coefficient. RESULTS: The presence of anxiety and depression (GAD-7, PHQ-9) were statistically significant among athletes who self-reported experiencing short-term cardiac-related symptoms related to COVID-19 (n=625), including shortness of breath (0.10 (p<0.001), 0.10 (p<0.001)), chest pain (0.09 (p<0.001), 0.08 (p<0.001)), fatigue (0.10 (p<0.001), 0.10 (p<0.001)), and rapid heartbeat (0.09 (p<0.001), 0.11 (p<0.001)). Results were not statistically significant for athletes who reported experiencing palpitations (-0.01 (p=0.68), 0.02 (p=0.53)) or leg swelling (0.01 (p=0.66), 0.03 (p=0.18). No statistically significant correlation was determined between athletes who self-reported experiencing persistent cardiac symptoms related to COVID-19 and mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Experiencing common cardiac symptoms in the interim after a COVID-19 diagnosis appears to correlate with mood disorders among collegiate athletes. However, correlation values were minimal, and clinical significance must be explored further. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing mental health support for athletes amid the development of physical symptoms to ensure optimal performance.

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